Body lift

[janesy86]

You wouldn't be using relocation brackets on the front with Mike's bumper, they are made to mount straight to the frame mounts, even the BL bumpers, that is why they are taller than non BL bumpers.

[Flying Monkey]

You wouldn't be using relocation brackets on the front with Mike's bumper, they are made to mount straight to the frame mounts, even the BL bumpers, that is why they are taller than non BL bumpers.

Right but id still have a gap if i added body lift later since it was made for non body lift. Just curious if guys using body lifts can justify cost versus functional results

[Trail X]

I think you're voicing a quandary that many of us have experienced. I believe a lot of this decision is based on your stated mission.

If you are going to be hitting increasingly difficult trails and constantly pushing the limits, then a body lift seems to be the way to go.

If you're the other half that is instead looking for more of an "adventure trip" vehicle that is a great all around vehicle, I'd lean to going without the body lift. I am not convinced that the benefits of the body lift out weigh the negatives for us.

When I did my suspension lift, I kinda figured I'd probably get a body lift one day, but I found that especially with the 87 springs I have enough clearance for 99% of the trails I'll be going on. And if I get stuck on that 1% trail, I have a winch if needed. Granted, I don't have much desire to hit some of the crazy boulder-strewn trails that I've seen Kyle (Hardtrailz) on.

Plus, if you keep your tires tight to the body, you could fit 33s or possibly 34s with no body lift (Some trimming needed).

I know you asked for input from BL'd members, but this is my take from the other side of the fence.

[Flying Monkey]

I think you're voicing a quandary that many of us have experienced. I believe a lot of this decision is based on your stated mission.

If you are going to be hitting increasingly difficult trails and constantly pushing the limits, then a body lift seems to be the way to go.

If you're the other half that is instead looking for more of an "adventure trip" vehicle that is a great all around vehicle, I'd lean to going without the body lift. I am not convinced that the benefits of the body lift out weigh the negatives for us.

When I did my suspension lift, I kinda figured I'd probably get a body lift one day, but I found that especially with the 87 springs I have enough clearance for 99% of the trails I'll be going on. And if I get stuck on that 1% trail, I have a winch if needed. Granted, I don't have much desire to hit some of the crazy boulder-strewn trails that I've seen Kyle (Hardtrailz) on.

Plus, if you keep your tires tight to the body, you could fit 33s or possibly 34s with no body lift (Some trimming needed).

I know you asked for input from BL'd members, but this is my take from the other side of the fence.

yeah im gonna try 33's with my marks lift and 87/z71 springs. Buddy has a FJ with same bolt pattern as my spacers and real close to same back space so gonna put his on and set it down to see where its at before buying new tires. Ill be happy as a pig in ____ if they work with minimal cutting. I dont see me on any real crazy trails either, least for awhile if ever.

[janesy86]

I wish I had done a body lift, but since I have sliders and Mike's bumper I have no desire to relocate these at the moment, so I am in that spot you're talking about...

Right now I am happy with how my TB sits and performs, could use the extra height from the BL, but like Kyle, I also do a good amount of rock crawling vs. just trails, and I have had very minimal rubbing with the 33's. All I've trimmed so far is the inner fender, which has cured most rubbing, with really the only rubbing coming from when I'm in reverse, for whatever reason.

Although, I am still contemplating a small BL, 1-1.5" at most and if I go thru with that I'll just live with the gap of the bumper. So my advice is if you think you def will be wanting/ needing the BL, do it now or atleast before getting Mikes bumper...


Edit: Just saw this post came in as I typed.

yeah im gonna try 33's with my marks lift and 87/z71 springs. Buddy has a FJ with same bolt pattern as my spacers and real close to same back space so gonna put his on and set it down to see where its at before buying new tires. Ill be happy as a pig in ____ if they work with minimal cutting. I dont see me on any real crazy trails either, least for awhile if ever.

Thats exactly my set up and like I said above, its working for me.

[MrSmithsTB]

If it really is your intention to get a body lift, just wait to get a bumper until you've done it. From someone not currently body lifted that was before, it is worth the investment. This time around I was going to mimick the suspension setup you listed and stop there. With 87 springs off the table, I had to rethink. Ultimately I have decided that I would rather lift the body for tire clearance. I will add 3" that way, and will be able to purchase a production bumper from mike. When I do so, I will replace the outside-of-strut shims with the 86 springs to help with the added weight. I should be able to clear 33-34" tires with no more cutting than I have already done. I will also have no need to get longer control arms or a new panhard bar. Of course, this is just the direction my mission has deemed most appropriate and I am sure not everyone will agree.

[Flying Monkey]

If the army would pay me my back pay and travel pay they have owed me for over a month Id try to buy the 3" BL in the classifieds right now. They owe me close to $1000. Gotta love the government lol.

Hopefully once they do if its sold someone will have marks 3" back on the market

[Blackout]

Gotta love how they'll take the money you owe them right away, but the Army will take it's sweet time paying you back what they owe you. I agree, I'd totally buy the 3 inch on the classifieds if I had the money